Chandigarh, May 21
The Haryana government has announced a series of strict measures aimed at improving healthcare services, cleanliness and accountability in government hospitals across the state. Hospitals have been directed to ensure round-the-clock laboratory, X-ray, and MRI services while maintaining proper hygiene, patient safety, and uninterrupted medical care.
The directives were issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Sumita Misra, during a high-level review meeting attended by civil surgeons, principal medical officers, senior medical officers and senior officials of the health department.
According to an official statement, the government has warned that negligence, poor infrastructure maintenance and weak hospital management will invite strict action. Surprise inspections and raids will be conducted across hospitals to assess the on-the-ground situation, and officials found responsible for lapses may face punitive action.
Hospitals have been instructed to keep in house laboratory services operational 24 hours a day so that patients are not forced to depend on private diagnostic centres. Radiology services, including X-ray and MRI facilities, have also been ordered to remain functional at all times.
The government has further directed hospitals to submit a detailed report on functional and non-functional medical equipment by Monday. Authorities have been asked to immediately report faulty machines for urgent repairs.
Special emphasis has also been placed on dialysis services. Officials have been directed to ensure that dialysis machines remain fully operational so that patients do not suffer due to equipment failure, staff shortages, or delays.
The state government has also focused on improving hospital cleanliness and women’s safety. Toilets in women’s wards will now be cleaned every hour, while security arrangements across hospital premises are set to be strengthened.
The health department has ordered an uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water and directed hospitals to ensure that lifts remain functional, especially for elderly and critically ill patients.
In another major directive, the government has ordered registration of FIRs against private ambulances or transport vehicles found operating illegally inside government hospital premises. Authorities have also been directed to intensify raids under the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act as part of efforts to curb illegal sex determination practices.
District health officials have been instructed to respond promptly to issues highlighted in the media and to submit action-taken reports on complaints related to hospital services, hygiene, and patient care without delay.
